My name is chantel, I’m 13 and I’m from Alberta. I’m not doing school right now because when I was doing school my mental health really sunk and it’s starting to again.

I think it’s important other people hear this so they feel they’re not alone. I was self harming pretty badly. I had frequent suicidal thoughts and panic attacks. I spoke to my therapist over call every week. I didn’t speak to her and then I got in trouble and they thought I was gonna do something bad to myself. If you’re feeling weak, so am I. And I think many other kids are too.

If you’re having suicidal thoughts please tell someone. We need support in this time. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.

This was written by Chantel (13), who lives in Alberta, Canada.

Message from Jeni:

If you are struggling and don’t know where or how to ask for help — and you live in Canada — you can always reach out to Kids Help Phone.

You can text them at 686868 (this is totally free and available all the time, and you don’t need a data plan or an internet connection).

Or you can call them at 1-800-668-6868 (like texting, this is free and available all the time).

Texts and calls to Kids Help are private and confidential.  Please send them a text or give them a call if you need help.  They will know how best to help you depending on what you need and where you live.

Canada advice alberta coronavirus covid19 feel bad mental health not alone panic school trouble